The Efren Reyes Z-Shot Legacy Lives On In Professional Pool

I'm sure you've seen Efren's historic Z-Shot from 1995, but for some reason the past few years have seen a handful of successful or nearly successful recreations in professional tournaments. Maybe it's the renewed emphasis on safety play or maybe it's just more cameras, but it's amazing to see more and more Z-Shots enter the highlight reels.

Comment below with your favorite Z-Shots if you can find any.

[brianpclare]

I think all the pool pros spent their lockdown months recreating efren shots at home and now they're bringing it into matches

[rabihavi]

Yes Efren did it in a hill/hill match against Earl, but it was also a FINAL, thats make it more MAGICIAN

[tristonlovell-uwbn]

What I think makes Efrens so legendary, is that if you listen to Earl talk about Efrens shot after their match that went hill/hill, he says that Efren didn’t have enough room to even do it naturally, so not only did he make the Z shot, he had to do it with massive side spin.

[myke]

Hill hill match for the trophy is one of the most clutch shot in billiards history. Efren 🐐

[shanasakai]

If I ever master billiards I would definetly practice this z shot many times.

[Zigarius]

This shot taught me how to bank 2 rails, got it my third attempt when I first tried it. Efren has so much to teach if you just take the time to practice! Awesome video

[amorsolocanuto]

Efren Reyes as a great ambassador of the sport.

[VorpalExceed]

First also efren z shot is more emotional and thrilling! But i agree all of these are insane!

[phil]

Rollie we didn’t see you at US open this year.I remember you were going to enter the previous year but it was canceled due to Covid, maybe next year.I really enjoyed this year’s tournament was able to watch so many matches online and all last 16 was all live on Foxtel here in Australia.Matchroom doing a great job with pool now.

[thepretzelball]

I am not sure if anyone will see this being its a year since this video came out, but I was playing in my APA league and a few days prior I had watched the Kamui video of Rollie Williams attempting the Z shot. I remembered what he said about using the right speed and spin to bend the cue ball 2 rails. I tried it after a terrible snooker and I managed to Z shot a hit on my own ball (didnt make it though!) Efren has definitely had an impact on my game.

[sethfisher]

Rollie, you are very entertaining to watch and/or listen to! Keep up the great Videos brother, missed you!!

[lifebybill]

As a lowly skill level 6 in APA 9 ball, I executed a Z shot in end of session playoffs. I almost made it, but caught to much rail by the pocket and threw it off. Been trying to recreate it since that day. Plus mine was more like Allison Fisher than Eferen Reyes

[YYCNOYP]

Should call it the KING'S Z SHOT. KING is REY in Spanish. REYES (plural)

[andrewcall]

Bergman's was amazing. Perfect hit with shape 👌

[antonioaaronosabel]

Funny Trivia:
Why called a Magician and Not Lucky? Well, aside from Efren's Vivid Imagination in shots they never fired, there were instances that when he missed, the Ball would luckily end up in some other pockets and winning games. Not a Hail Mary shot but lucky miss.

No matter how hard opponents Hid the Ball, Efren would always find a way to hit it, in some cases pocket it. Opponents are amazed that he comes up with Magic shots overturning the bad situation into a Winning table. One classic example is the famous Z shot against Earl Strictland (where one commentator can be heard saying, "Horrible, Horrible" - referring to Efren's table situation).

Opponents shake their heads or just says, there goes another magic shot again. Those were in Efren's early years in the States.

I even had a Billiards magazine where Efren was in the front cover, Pulling out a Rabbit in a Magician's Hat. Sadly someone took it and I lost it

God bless everyone.

[antonioaaronosabel]

Efren's amazing shots always Happens at difficult times. I used to have a collection of Efren's games in the US and some here in the Philippines.

Also, watch Efren vs Jimmy White, I think that's in Cardiff Wales(?). He made an amazing scape Kick shot and won the Match.

You can learn so many things about how Efren assess the table, ball placements, shot preparations and his priceless Smile while scratching his head after winning hehe....

[motorjackph]

My clap goes to you sir, what an incredible display of your narratives highlighting one of our proudest pilipino icon in billiards. Thumbs up to you sir!

[DavePlaysPool]

Love this shot, I used it to end the 'boss' frame in my Billiard Fighter video, took me about 50 tries!

[kittcastillo]

Just curious: As other sports name some of its moves to those who popularized it, why don't we name the Z-shot as Efren Reyes' shot 😊

[joycesmile]

Yes ! He's Filipino player who won international games multiple times !